Fascism is not just people being mean.

One of the problems with the Neiwert essay I linked to the other day is that he (like Jonah Goldberg) frequently mistakes the tactics of Fascist movements for their core nature. He spends too much time discussing how Fascists demonize their enemies and are willing to go to any lengths to destroy them.

Well, that’s what movements do. I mean, you can’t really have a political movement unless you think you’re right and your enemies are wrong, and therefore your enemies must be stopped. It’s not some unique characteristic of Fascism.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s a fascinating essay, and worth reading. But at times, you’d think anyone who ever wished the people who disagreed with him would go away was a fascist.